Whose need for vaccination is more urgent? Doctors, older people, politicians? Referring to a very emotional discussion medicine ethicist Johann Platzer, researcher at the Institute of Moral Theology at the University of Graz, appeals that formal decision-making criteria should be considered.
Clip (German only)
"There are numerous factors to consider before we can answer this question. From a medical perspective for example, the issue is whether or not someone who has been vaccinated can still infect others. And then: what are the benefits and risks of vaccination for the person concerned and what is the benefit for the whole population?
It may be that there is not sufficient scientific evidence for the effectiveness of a vaccine for a certain group, such as the over-65s. That can give rise to new questions. From an ethical perspective there are major philosophical issues, such as fair distribution of goods in short supply, or solidarity and self-interest, or human dignity and of course freedom and responsibility. The general principle applies that we can never have individual freedom without carrying some responsibility for ourselves and our fellow human beings. These formal decision-making criteria should be considered when it comes to setting priorities for the allocation of vaccines."